Why the Ottawa Charge Could Surprise You Next Season

If you’re counting the Ottawa Charge out heading into next season, you’re making a mistake.

On paper, the Charge took serious hits in free agency and the expansion draft. They lost many cornerstone players, but despite that, there’s a strong case that this team could be better than you think in year three. With high-upside international picks, a goalie tandem that could be one of the league’s best, and returning players ready to take the next step, Ottawa isn’t rebuilding. They’re reloading, and they might just shock the league.

Losses? Yes. But Not a Collapse.

There’s no sugarcoating it: the expansion draft and free agency were rough.

Emerance Maschmeyer, their original starting goalie and face of the franchise, was taken by Vancouver. Ashton Bell, a top-two defender, was also scooped up in the expansion draft.

Danielle Serdachny and Aneta Tejralová, both key depth contributors, landed in Seattle.

Then came free agency. Ottawa lost top scorer Tereza Vanišová, along with role players like Zoe Boyd, Jincy Roese, and Shiann Darkangelo.

That’s nearly half a roster gone.

But instead of scrambling, GM Mike Hirshfeld and head coach Carla MacLeod stuck to their vision: build a team with long-term upside and internal growth. And their moves since then might just set Ottawa up for a stronger season than people expect.

Draft Swings: High-Risk, High-Reward

Ottawa made a splash at the draft by taking a pair of top-tier Russian forwards: Anna Shokhina and Fanuza Kadirova.

These are not your average international signings: they’re dynamic, offensively gifted players who could immediately inject speed, creativity, and finish into a lineup that struggled to score consistently during the regular season.

While there’s always uncertainty with international transitions, both have experience playing against elite competition. If they click, Ottawa may have found the offensive boost they were missing.

Defensively, first-round pick Rory Guilday brings size, poise, and smart positioning. Her addition helps soften the blow of losing Bell and Tejralová and gives the Charge another steady presence beside Ronja Savolainen, who’s poised to take another step as a do-it-all defender.

The League’s Best Goalie Tandem?

Replacing Maschmeyer was no easy task, but Ottawa may have pulled it off.

They drafted Sanni Ahola. Add in Gwyneth Philips, the first goaltender selected in the 2024 PWHL Draft and PWHL Playoff MVP, and you’ve got a tandem that could challenge for the league’s top goaltending unit.

5th round pick! 👉 @PWHL_Ottawa welcomes Sanni Ahola to the capital! 🥅⚡️ #PWHL #IIHF pic.twitter.com/j8giCFqd5U

— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) June 25, 2025

Both are technically sound, mentally composed, and capable of stealing games. In a parity-heavy league, that matters more than star power.

Internal Growth: McMahon, Clark, Savolainen

Let’s not forget how good Ottawa was when it counted, and how strong their core still is.

Emily Clark exploded in the playoffs. She played with pace, confidence, and grit, finally converting the chances that eluded her earlier in the year. If that level becomes her new standard, she’s an elite top-six forward.

Mannon McMahon showed poise and maturity as a rookie. Now, with more opportunity, she could develop into a true two-way force.

Ronja Savolainen was already one of the league’s most impactful defenders. With more responsibility and stronger chemistry with Guilday, she might be in line for a dominant season.

The Verdict: Don’t Count Them Out Just Yet

All six original PWHL teams lost significant pieces this off-season, a side effect of growing pains in a brand-new league. Unfortunately for Ottawa, a poorly planned expansion process hit them especially hard. But that doesn’t mean they’re completely in trouble.

The Charge have turned their losses into opportunity, gaining flexibility, and taking swings on Russian talent. This isn’t a team that’s falling behind just yet, it’s one that’s evolving. They may not dominate, but they’ll be competitive, and more dangerous than people expect.